Compare JBL Endurance Race 2 Earbuds vs Audio-Technica ATH-CKS50TW Earbuds

ANC is useful for taking the edge off treadmills, office chatter, and travel noise, but every detailed reviewer said it falls clearly short of premium earbuds. ANC and ambient tuning are adjustable in the app, but reviewers generally felt those sliders and sport-mode tweaks made only modest real-world differences.

ANC performance ranges from average to solid-for-the-price: it reduces low-frequency rumble well but is not class-leading versus premium models. Noise control is adjustable in the app with ANC on/off and hear-through options, making it easy to tailor for different environments.

Android support looks solid thanks to Google Fast Pair support and no reported compatibility red flags, though direct Android testing was limited.

Android support is strong thanks to features like Google Fast Pair and aptX/aptX Adaptive compatibility.

The JBL app adds meaningful tuning options, sports modes, and control customization, but several reviewers found some mode behavior inconvenient or not especially impactful.

The Connect app is feature-rich (EQ, noise modes, codec selection, updates, extras like soundscapes and ear-profile tools) and is generally reported as stable.

aptX/aptX Adaptive support makes these particularly attractive for Android users seeking higher-quality Bluetooth audio.

Low-latency mode delivers good audio-video sync, with most reviewers reporting minimal lip-sync delay for video and casual gaming.

Bass is decent and workout-friendly, but multiple reviews suggest it benefits from EQ boosting rather than sounding especially punchy on the default tuning.

Bass is the headline: deep extension and punch are repeatedly praised, though it can sound forward on bass-heavy mixes.

Battery life is a standout strength, with reviewers consistently praising the long single-charge runtime and strong total endurance with the case.

Battery life is repeatedly described as best-in-class, commonly around 20 hours in the buds (about 15 with ANC) plus roughly 30 more from the case.

Connection stability was excellent in testing, with easy room-range use during workouts and no reported dropouts.

Bluetooth stability is typically strong (including longer-range anecdotes), but a few users report occasional dropouts, especially in multipoint or obstructed scenarios.

Build quality is widely seen as robust for the price, though a few note the silicone tips feel thin and may wear over time.

Physical buttons help avoid accidental touches, but their placement and size can be fiddly; some find multi-tap actions or locating the buttons frustrating.

The case is functional but not a highlight: it is on the larger side, only lightly protected against moisture, and can pick up wear in a gym bag.

The case is generally sturdy with clear battery indicators and secure retention, but its large footprint is a common complaint.

Charging performance is strong, with quick-charge support and reasonable full-charge times repeatedly called out as practical positives.

Charging is USB-C with strong fast-charge results (about 10 minutes for roughly 90 minutes playback); most reviews note no wireless charging on the CKS50TW.

Codec support is a strength, with SBC/AAC plus aptX and aptX Adaptive mentioned often, and some app control over codec selection.

Long-session comfort is unusually good for winged sports buds, with reviewers noting they stayed comfortable through runs, workouts, and daily use.

Comfort is generally good once the right tips are found, but the larger housings can feel bulky or less secure for smaller ears.

The design is sporty and available in appealing colors, but the buds are still noticeably chunky and protrude more than slimmer everyday earbuds.

Design is functional but plain, and the size is frequently called bulky compared to sleeker rivals.

The included three ear-tip sizes were a useful fit aid, though one reviewer still felt the overall shell size may be too large for smaller ears.

Multiple ear tip sizes are included (often four), helping with fit and seal, even if durability concerns pop up in a few reviews.

EQ customization is a real plus, letting users add extra bass or adjust the sound for workouts without needing third-party tools.

EQ customization is a highlight, offering a five-band EQ and useful adjustments to tailor bass/vocals and overall balance.

One reviewer explicitly noted that there is no Find My-style locating feature, which limits convenience compared with some rivals.

The app includes a locate/find function for the earbuds, which is useful if you misplace them.

Tuning trends warm rather than strictly neutral, but multiple reviews call it well-balanced across the range with good overall coherence.

Accessory support is good for the class, with extra ear tips, wing options or covers, and a charging cable included in the box.

Separation and imaging are strong for the class, keeping transient details in context, but it does not match higher-end audiophile flagships.

The earbuds include an onboard multi-mic setup that works well enough for routine calls and general hands-free use.

At higher volumes, clarity drops off and upper-range detail compresses, so these do not stay especially clean when pushed hard.

At very loud listening levels, some note dynamics can feel slightly compressed or squashed, even if clarity remains decent.

Call noise handling is respectable rather than exceptional, keeping traffic and background noise fairly controlled without fully erasing it.

Noise reduction on calls is inconsistent, with wind and busy-street noise sometimes bleeding through and degrading intelligibility.

Call quality is generally clear and usable, though voices can sound slightly hollow instead of especially rich or natural.

Call quality is mostly clear in quiet settings, with mixed results outdoors or in noisy rooms; some experiences are excellent while others report average performance.

Midrange performance is one of the stronger parts of the tuning, with vocals and core musical content coming through clearly for the price.

Midrange is generally clear, but the stock tuning can let bass mask lower mids and push vocals back; the Clear Vocal/EQ options help restore presence.

Compatibility looks broad, with successful use across phones, laptops, watches, and support for both Google and Microsoft quick-pair systems.

Multipoint was a meaningful win, with seamless switching between devices highlighted as one of the more premium-feeling features at this price.

Multipoint is widely appreciated for switching between phone and computer, though there can be slight delays and occasional reliability quirks.

The seal provides solid passive isolation, sometimes good enough to reduce noise even before ANC is enabled.

Portability is only average because both the buds and especially the case are a bit bulky compared with more pocket-friendly alternatives.

Portability is the main physical downside: the case is chunky and the buds are large, so jeans-pocket carry can be awkward even if bags and jacket pockets are fine.

The preset sports profiles are more interesting on paper than in practice, with reviewers often describing them as gimmicky or only mildly different.

Preset EQ modes (such as Bass Boost and Clear Vocal) are frequently cited as helpful and can meaningfully change the listening profile.

Wear-detection sensors are a notable omission in multiple reviews, so playback does not auto-pause when you remove a bud.

Sidetone/side-talk features help you hear your own voice more naturally during calls, which several reviewers appreciate.

Setup is straightforward, with easy pairing and uncomplicated day-one use standing out as low-friction strengths.

Overall sound quality is good for the money and enjoyable for workouts and casual listening, but it does not deliver premium detail, depth, or polish.

Across reviews, sound is described as warm and engaging with strong detail for the price, especially after EQ tweaks; a minority find it merely average without tuning.

Soundstage is often called convincing and well-staged for true wireless, though a few impressions place it closer to average rather than expansive.

Spatial audio/360 Reality Audio is a mixed bag: some find it immersive, others dismiss it, and it is limited by supported services.

Stability is one of the product's best traits, with the twist-lock wing design keeping the buds secure through running, gym work, and sweaty sessions.

Stability is generally strong once fitted, with multiple workout and head-movement anecdotes indicating the buds stay put.

Touch controls are usable but not ideal for exercise, with some lag and reduced reliability versus physical buttons, especially with sweat or gloves.

Transparency mode is the most divisive feature: one reviewer found it fairly natural, but the more detailed running-focused reviews said traffic awareness was still lacking.

Hear-through/transparency is generally usable and fairly natural, but it can be mild and is not on the level of the best implementations.

Treble and upper-range clarity are only middling, with repeated comments about limited sparkle, detail, and openness up top.

Treble is usually smooth and non-fatiguing; some reviewers want more sparkle or sharpness, while others note it stays crisp at higher volumes.

USB-C charging is included and treated as an expected but welcome convenience for everyday use.

USB-C charging is consistently included and straightforward.

Value is a major selling point, with every review framing the Endurance Race 2 as a feature-rich, sports-focused bargain that undercuts pricier rivals.

Voice assistant support is absent according to one review, which is a notable feature gap even at a budget price.

Voice assistant support is limited in some coverage, with at least one review noting a lack of built-in voice-assistant control compared with certain rivals.

Maximum loudness is below average for the category, and multiple reviewers had to raise volume more than expected during outdoor runs.

The IP68 buds are extremely well-suited to sweaty training and rainy runs, making durability against dust and water one of the clearest strengths.

Water resistance is consistently positioned as workout-friendly (commonly IPX4, with some coverage citing higher ratings on newer variants).

Even though the shells are fairly large, reviewers still described them as light enough to stay comfortable during movement and longer sessions.

Weight is noticeable for some (and a few describe the fit as unbalanced), but others find the buds comfortable for long sessions.